A blown fuse or poor power/ground connection at the navigation control module; Corroded, loose, or damaged wiring at the navigation module connector or along the CAN bus; A failed navigation control module due to internal electronic fault or water intrusion; A shorted or open CAN bus wire between the navigation module and the rest of the network; A faulty gateway module or body control module that routes messages to the navigation unit; Low battery voltage or a weak charging system causing intermittent module dropouts; Aftermarket accessories or improper radio/navigation installations disturbing the network

DTC codes / U01xx · Lost communication with a control module / U0163

U0163Lost Communication With Navigation Control Module

Q: What does code U0163 mean?

Lost Communication With Navigation Control Module. U0163 is a generic communication fault indicating that the engine control module or another primary module has lost the controller area network (CAN) signal from the navigation control module. The computer detects this when the navigation module stops broadcasting its periodic status messages on the network bus, typically for more than a few seconds, and sets the code as a stored or pending fault.

U0163 is a generic communication fault indicating that the engine control module or another primary module has lost the controller area network (CAN) signal from the navigation control module. The computer detects this when the navigation module stops broadcasting its periodic status messages on the network bus, typically for more than a few seconds, and sets the code as a stored or pending fault.

SystemNetwork

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaLost communication with a control module

Symptoms you may notice

The navigation screen may be blank, frozen, or stuck on a startup logo
The infotainment system may reboot repeatedly or fail to respond to touch inputs
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the navigation module is not critical to engine operation
Loss of GPS positioning, map display, or route guidance features
Other modules may log communication codes or show spurious warnings on the dashboard
Radio or audio functions may be disabled if they share the same module or network segment

Common causes, most likely first

A blown fuse or poor power/ground connection at the navigation control module
Corroded, loose, or damaged wiring at the navigation module connector or along the CAN bus
A failed navigation control module due to internal electronic fault or water intrusion
A shorted or open CAN bus wire between the navigation module and the rest of the network
A faulty gateway module or body control module that routes messages to the navigation unit
Low battery voltage or a weak charging system causing intermittent module dropouts
Aftermarket accessories or improper radio/navigation installations disturbing the network

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify battery voltage and charging system output, then clear the code and test-drive to see if it returns
Check the fuse and relay that supply power to the navigation control module, and inspect the ground connection
Inspect the navigation module connector and wiring for corrosion, pin damage, or loose terminals
Use a scan tool to check for communication with the navigation module and perform a network integrity test
Measure CAN bus resistance and voltage at the navigation module connector to confirm bus health
If the module is unresponsive but power and ground are good, substitute a known-good module or perform a bench test
Repair or replace damaged wiring or the navigation control module as needed, then clear codes and verify communication

Before you replace the navigation module

A dead or weak battery is a common culprit because the navigation module may drop off the CAN bus during cranking, setting U0163 without any permanent hardware fault.
Water intrusion into the navigation module or its connectors, often from a clogged sunroof drain or windshield leak, causes corrosion that mimics a failed module.
Aftermarket stereos, backup cameras, or GPS trackers tapped into the CAN bus can disrupt communication and set this code even though the factory navigation module is healthy.
The code does not always mean the navigation module is bad; a faulty gateway module or a shorted bus wire elsewhere can prevent its messages from reaching the scanning module.
Some vehicles require the navigation module to be initialized or coded after replacement, and skipping that step will leave U0163 stored even with a new unit.

Can I keep driving with U0163?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the navigation module is not part of the powertrain or safety systems, but you should avoid relying on navigation functions and address the fault promptly to prevent network communication issues from spreading. If the warning light is accompanied by other communication codes or drivability symptoms, have the vehicle inspected before continuing long trips.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.